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(No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 1. H. L. WALKER & 'B. G. MINNEMEYER.

SOLDERING MACHINE.

Patented Dec. 14,1897.

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Patented Dec. 14,1897.

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H. L. WALKER & E. G. MINNEMEYERW SOLDERING MACHINE.

No. 595,449. Patented Dec. 14, 1897.

S F a w w/ N h UNIT D STATES PATENT Erica.

HORACE IVALKER AND EDWARD G. MIN N EMEYER, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS,

A ASSIGNORS OF ONE-HALF TO JAMES FRAKE, OF SAME PLACE.

SOLDERING-MACHSINE.

I SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 595,449, dated December 14, 1897. Application filed November 2, 1896. Serial No. 610,882. (No model.)

To aZlwh om it may concern.-

, Be it known that we, HORACE L. WALKER and EDWARD G. MINNEMEYER, citizens of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Soldering-Machines; and we do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being bad to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

The present invention relates to improvements in soldering-machines, particularly of the class by which the vent-aperture in the top of a can cap or cover is closed after the can has been filled and the cover or cap secured to the sides of the can.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view through an apparatus embodying the improvements on the line 00 w of Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a transverse vertical sectional view on the line 00 0c of Fig. 1. Figs. 3 and at are sectional detail views on an enlarged scale. Fig. 5 is a sectional view of a slightly-modified construction. Fig. 6 is an end elevation of the same. Fig. 7 is a detail view.

In the drawings, A designates a shell or casing within which the soldering-tools are arranged, the improvements being here illustrated as applied to an apparatus for soldering in 'vacuo. v

The casing A may be of any suitable size and material and formed in any desired manner, the parts being connected to efiectually exclude air from the interior when the doors A, provided in the side Walls of the casing, are closed. The casing A is shown as mounted on suitable legs or supports A and is provided with an air-inlet valve 0. and an air withdrawing orexhaust pipe a that is adapted to be connected with an air-pump of any suitable sort, conventionally illustrated at B. An air-pressure gage B is also mounted on the casing A and communicates with the interior thereof, preferably near'the p osite side or wall of said casing from the air inlet and exhaust pipe.

0 designates a rotary tubular spindle or shaft which is journaled in opposite end walls of the casing Aand an upright B at one side of the casing, and said spindle supports one or more soldering tips or points D. As shown in Fig. 1, the said spindle is preferably composed of a series of sections, the adjacent ends of which are connected by tubular couplings 0, said couplings being of greater diameter than the spindle-sections and having in their opposite side walls alined central apertures to receive the ends of the said sections.

In order to form an air-tight joint at each point of coupling or connecting of the sections of the spindle O, a gasket or ring 0 is fitted around each spindle-section, and is held in contact with the adjacent side wall of the coupling 0 by a jam-nut c.

To the exterior of each of the couplings O is secured in any suitable manner a soldering poin t or tip D, of copper, this tip preferably being of the form-shown in Fig. 2, having its free edge or surface rounded or curved somewhat. The tips D may each be formed integral with one of the couplings O or per manently secured to said coupling; but preferably said tips are detachable from the couplings. One manner of securing the tips in place is illustrated in the drawings. The coupling 0' is provided with twoside flanges 0 extending part Way around the periphery of the coupling, and the tip D is placed between said flanges and secured in position by a transverse lock-pin 0 By this construction any tip can be readily removed and repaired or replaced by a new one when necessary without detaching the coupling 0.

The under side of the tip D is preferably formed with a cavity or recess near its one end, into which projects the free end of a leafspring (1, the other end of which is secured to the coupling 0. It will thus be seen that each tip is pivotally supported on the spindle or shaft at an intermediate point of its length and is adapted to rock about its pivotal axis independently of its movement about the axis of the spindlethat is, each end of the tip is adjustable toward and from the surface of the spindle. The tips D of the different couplings are similarly positioned, so that they extend in a continuous line longitudinally of the spindle C, and when the latter is rotated all of said soldering-points will be simultaneously and similarly moved. As said, the ends of the spindles C are journaled in hearings in opposite side walls of the casing Athat is, the outer end of each of the end sections of the spindle extends through a bearing a which is surrounded by a gland or cap A, by which the entrance of air about the spindle is effectually prevented, the outer end of one section also extending into a bearing b in a bracket B attached to the end wall of the casing A.

The soldering tips or points D are heated by means of the flames of a gas or vapor burner E. These burners or jets are secured to a pipe E, that extends longitudinally and centrally through the spindle O, and is connected at one end with a supply-pipe E Each of the burners or jets E is arranged within one of the couplings O, and normally the parts are held in such position that the flame of each jet is directed toward and acts to heat the soldering-tip D, carried by said coupling.

The gas or vapor pipes are stationary, and the spindle O,with the soldering-tips, is adapted to be rotated by means of a handle F or other suitable power devices. Normally the spindle is held stationary and locked in position to maintain the soldering-tips in the paths of the flame from the burners E by means of the pin or finger F, projecting from the crank F, having its free end engaged by a spring-pressed V-shaped stop F secured to the adjacent end wall of the casing A.

M designates a tubular spindle or shaft similar in form to that at C, it being composed of a series of relatively short sections m, coupled together by enlarged couplings m. The said spindle or shaft M is arranged to extend parallel to and in substantially the same horizontal planes as the aforesaid shaft 0. Within said shaft M is arranged a vapor-supply pipe m similar to that at E, it having a burner m within each of said couplings m. On the periphery of each of said couplings m are secured one or more wipers m In the present case we have illustrated three of said wipers on the coupling, but the number can be varied, as desired. Preferably each wiper is composed of a suitable amount of asbestos fiber secured in position between plates on on the coupling, said plates being shown as connected by a transverse pin m The shaft M may be rotated by means of a suitable handle or in any desired manner.

N designates a tank or receptacle for a suitable flux, powdered rosin being preferably employed, and said tank has a depending spout or tube at, which extends to a point somewhat below the plane of the couplings C m. The passage of the fluxing material from the tank N through the tube or spoutn is controlled by means of a ball-valve n arranged at the upper end of said tube. Said ball is connected with or rests on the upper end of a rod 21 that extends through said spout n and terminates in afingern, adapted to be impinged upon by a cam as the same is moved toward the soldering-tips from the wipers m. It is seen that there will be a spout or tube n in line with each of the couplings C and m, there being either one common supply tank or receptacle N for all of the said spouts or a separate receptacle for each.

The cans to be soldered are supported within the casing A on a tray or sliding support H, extending the entire length of the casing A, or, if desired, there may be a separate slide or support in line with each of the solderingtips.

\Ve have herein shown the support 1 1 as extending the entire length of the casing and as having holders h arranged on the lines of the tips D, doors A being formed in the longitudinal walls of the casing a to permit of cans being readily placed on or removed from the support. The said can support H is mounted on rollers I, journaled in the transverse bars or supports 1 of a frame which is adjustably secured to the walls of the casing A to permit of vertical adjustment. Below the shaft 0 is stationarily secured a stop bar or plate K, it having an aperture in line with each coupling C, through which the tip D can project, and the cans G are so arranged on the support that when the latter is below said plate K there will be a can in line with each of said apertures'at the time that the spindle C is rotated and the tips D are moved into operative position.

By making the frame l,which supports the rollers I, on which the can-tray H rides, vertically adjustable it is possible to adjust the parts to enable the apparatus to be used for soldering cans of different heights.

The manner of operating the improvements above described may be briefly stated as follows: The cans to be soldered are placed in position on the tray or support H, a small lump of solder, as at 9, being placed adjacent to the hole left in the top of the can. The doors A being closed the air-pump B is operated to exhaust the air from the casin g. The support H is bya push-rod 11 then moved transversely of the casing, it resting on the rollers I. As the cans come into alinement with the shaft M, the latter is rotated to cause one or more of the heated wipers m to pass over the top surface of the can and absorb any liquid that may be thereon. As the tray or support H is moved along each can G thereon contacts with the finger n in line therewith and opens the valve controlled thereby, allowing a sufficient quantity of powdered rosin to be deposited on the top of the can. After the tray H has been moved sufficiently far to bring the cans into alinement with the apertures la in the plate K the shaft C is turned and one of the heated tips D caused to pass across the top of each can, melting the solder and rosin thereon and closing the aperture in the can-top. The tip D, it will IIO be noticed, projects farther from its carrier 0 at the end adjacent to the spring d. By reason of this construction and arrangement of parts said cam-like tip will contact gradually with the can-top and the solder will be melted prior to the spring (1 exertingits maximum pressure on the can-topthat is, the spring (1 will not be compressed to its fullest extent until the end of the tip D adjacent thereto contacts with .the can which is at the end of the operation of the tip. Air is then admitted to the casing, and the door A at the rear being opened the cans are removed from the tray or support H.

In Figs. 5 and 6 we have illustrated a machine by which a large number of cans can be simultaneously soldered. In this embodiment of our invention the solder androsin are applied to the cans prior to placing them in the casing A, and the wiper-carrying shaft and its Wipers can be dispensed with; and with such a construction as this any desired number of spindles C may be employed, they being all connected to rotate simultaneously. In the drawings we have illustrated an apparatus in which there are nine of said spindles, they being arranged and geared together to be simultaneously rotated by the handle and crank at F. In this construction there is a sprocket-wheel L, secured on the spindle C, that is directly connected with the handle or crank F, similar sprockets L L being secured on the other spindles O, that are in vertical alinement with the aforesaid spindle-carrying sprocket L. Said sprockets L L L are connected by a' chain 0. The spindles or shaftsO in the same horizontal planes as those last referred to are rotated simultaneously therewith by means'of sprocketchains P, engaging sprockets P, which latter sprockets are shown as mounted on the middle line of spindles G.

What we claim is 1. Ina can-soldering machine, the combination of a shell or casing,a movable cansupport mounted in said casing, means for moving saidsupport, a wiper'arranged in the path of a can on said support, means adapted to be actuated by the can for depositing flux on the can-top, and a soldering-point adapted to contact with the can-top, substantially as set forth.

' In a can-soldering machine, the combination of a movable can-support, means for moving said support, a rotatable wiper arranged in the path of a can, on said support, means for heating said wiper, and a soldering point or tip arranged in the path of the said can, substantially as set forth.

3. In a can-soldering machine, the combination of a movable can support, an elevated tankor receptacle for flux having a depending tube, a valve in said receptacle, a rod for actuating said valve extending into the path of a can on the said can-support, and a soldering-iron arranged to contact with the said can, substantially as set forth.

4. In a can-soldering apparatus, the combination of a can-support, a horizontally-rotatable tubular spindle having a radially-projecting soldering-tip formed thereon or secured thereto, a gas or vapor burner arranged Within said spindle in line with the said tip, and means for rotating said spindle, substantially as set forth.

5. In a vacuum can-soldering machine, the combination with a casing, and an air-pump connected with the interior of said casing, of a can-support Within the casing, a tubular spindle arranged within said casing, and having a soldering-tip secured thereon, means for rotating said spindle, and a gas or vapor burner arranged within the spindle for heating said soldering-tip, substantially as set forth.

6.. In an apparatus for the purpose described, the combination of a support for a series of cans, a rotary soldering-tool mounted on a horizontal-axis above each can on said can-support, a handle or crank connected with one of said tools, and means connecting all of said tools whereby the entire series will be simultaneously rotated when said handle is turned, substantially as set forth.

7. In a can soldering apparatus, the combination with a can-support, of a horizontallyrotary spindle carrying a soldering-tip, a gas or vapor burner, means for normally holding the rotary spindle stationary and the soldering-tip in position to be heated by the flame from said burner, and means for rotating said spindle to move the soldering-tip outofthe path of the flame of the burner and into contactwith a can on said can-support, substantially as set forth.

8. In an apparatus for the purpose described, the combination of a can-support, a spindle arranged above the can-support and having a soldering tip projecting radially therefrom, a gas or vapor burner, means for normally holding the spindle stationary and the soldering-tip in the path of the flame of said burner, and means for rotating said spindle to move the soldering-tip from said position into contact with a can on the said cansupport, substantially as set forth.

9. In an apparatus for the purpose described, the combination of a can-support, a tubular spindle, having a soldering-tip projecting radially therefrom, a gas or vapor burner stationarily mounted within said spindle in the planes of said soldering-tip, means for normally holding said tip in the path of the flame of said burner, and means for rotating said spindle to bring the soldering-tip into contact with a can on said can-support, substantially as set forth.

10. Ina can-soldering machine, the combination of a support adapted to sustain a series of cans, a tubular spindle extending across a series of cans on said support, and having a radially-projecting soldering-tip in line with each can, a gas or vapor pipe arranged in and extending longitudinally of said spindle, a burner on said vapor-pipe in line with each of said soldering-tips, means for normally holding said spindle stationary and said tips in the paths of the flames from said burners, and means for rotating said spindle to bring the tips thereon into contact with the cans on said support, substantially as set forth.

11. In a can-soldering apparatus, the combination of a vertically-adjustable can-support, an apertured stop-plate mounted above said support, a rotatable soldering tool mounted above said plate, means for heating said tool, and means for rotating the tool to contact with a can on said can support through an aperture in said stop-plate, substantially as set forth.

12. In a can-soldering apparatus, the combination with a can-support, of a rotatable spindle consisting of sections coupled together by a coupling of greater diameter than the body of the spindle, a soldering-tip secured on said coupling, means for heating said tip, and means for rotating said spindle and tip, substantially as set forth.

13. In a can-soldering apparatus, the combination with a can-support, of a tubular sec tional spindle, a tubular coupling of greater diameter than the body of the spindle connecting the ends of adjacent sections of the spindle, a soldering-tip on said coupling, a gas or vapor burner arranged within the coupling, and means for rotating said spindle to bring the soldering-tip into contact with a can on said can-support, substantially as set forth.

14. In a can-soldering apparatus, the combination with a can-support, of a rotatable spindle, a soldering-tip pivot-ally connected to said spindle, a spring for holding said tip in proper position relative to said spindle, a vapor-burner, means for holding the spindle stationary and the tip in the path of the flame of the burner, and means for rotating the spindle to bring the said tip into contact with a can, substantially as set forth.

15. In a can-soldering apparatus, the combination of a horizontally-movable can-support, an elevated receptacle for rosin or similar material, means adapted to be actuated by a cam on the support for automatically depositing material from said elevated receptacle on said can, as the latter is advancing, a soldering-tip mounted above said support, a burner for heating said tip, and means adapted to move the tip from the path of the flame of the burner and into contact with the can, substantially as set forth.

16. In a can-soldering apparatus, the combination of a horizontally-movable can-support, a hori zon tallyrotatable spindle arran ged above said support, a soldering-tip carried by said spindle, a burner, means for normally holding said spindle stationary and maintaining the tip in an elevated position above a can on said support and in position to be heated by the flame of the burner, and means for rotating the spindle to move the said tip downwardly and across the top of the can, substantially as set forth.

17. In a can-soldering apparatus, the combination of a can-support, a shaft or spindle, a soldering-tip pivotally supported on and rotatable with said spindle and adapted to contact with a can on said support, and a burner for heating the tip, substantially as set forth.

18. In a can-soldering apparatus, the combination of a can-support, a horizontally-rotatable shaft or spindle mounted above said support, a soldering-tip carried by and projecting radially from said spindle, a burner adapted to heat the tip, means for rotating the spindle to cause the tip to travel across the top of a can on the support, and means for yieldingly pressing said tip against the can, substantially as set forth.

19. In a can-soldering apparatus, the combination of a can-support, a rotatable shaft or spindle mounted above said support, a soldering-tip, detachably connected to said spindle, a burner, means for normally holding the spindle stationary and the tip in position to be heated by the flame of said burner, and means for rotating the spindle to move the tip thereof into contact with a can on the support; substantially as set forth.

20. In a soldering apparatus, the combination of a rotatable spindle, a soldering-tip rotatable with said spindle and independently adjustable about an axis extending parallel to the axis of the spindle, and means for heating said tip; substantially as set forth.

21. In a soldering apparatus, the combination of a rotatable spindle,a soldering-tip supported on the spindle and adapted to move therewith and adapted to rock about an axis at one side of the spindle, means for normally holding the forward end of the tip in contact with the surface of the spindle and the rear end thereof out of contact with said surface, whereby said tip will be caused to contact with the surface over which it is moved with increasing force, and means for heating the tip; substantially as 'set forth.

In testimony whereof we affix our signatures in presence of two witnesses.

HORACE L. \VALKER. EDWVARD G. MINNEMEYER.

Witnesses:

ARTHUR W. TURNER, H. C. MILLER. 

